Sori Yanagi (1915 - 2011)
Sori Yanagi (1915-2011) stands as one of Japan's most influential designers, celebrated for his seamless integration of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design principles. Born in Tokyo, he was the son of Yanagi Soetsu, the visionary founder of the Mingei movement, which championed the beauty of handmade, functional objects. This deep-rooted connection to craftsmanship and Japanese culture profoundly shaped Sori Yanagi's design philosophy.
In the 1950s, Yanagi ventured to Europe, where he encountered key design movements like Bauhaus and modernism, particularly the architecture of Le Corbusier. These influences had a lasting effect on his work, refining his aesthetic and approach. Upon returning to Japan, he joined Tendo Mokko, where he developed furniture that married minimalist design with practicality. His iconic "Butterfly Stool" (1956), crafted from bent plywood, became an enduring symbol of Japanese design and catapulted him to international prominence. Yanagi's achievements were recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957.
Throughout his illustrious career, Yanagi maintained a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, creating pieces that were as beautiful as they were functional. His work spanned various domains, from furniture and kitchenware to toys, always with an emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and durability. In 1977, he became the director of the Mingeikan, the folk art museum founded by his father, reconnecting with his cultural heritage and preserving the legacy of the Mingei movement.
Sori Yanagi's timeless creations continue to reflect a unique synthesis of Japanese tradition and global modernism. His influence remains profound, and his designs
Sori Yanagi (1915-2011) stands as one of Japan's most influential designers, celebrated for his seamless integration of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design principles. Born in Tokyo, he was the son of Yanagi Soetsu, the visionary founder of the Mingei movement, which championed the beauty of handmade, functional objects. This deep-rooted connection to craftsmanship and Japanese culture profoundly shaped Sori Yanagi's design philosophy.
In the 1950s, Yanagi ventured to Europe, where he encountered key design movements like Bauhaus and modernism, particularly the architecture of Le Corbusier. These influences had a lasting effect on his work, refining his aesthetic and approach. Upon returning to Japan, he joined Tendo Mokko, where he developed furniture that married minimalist design with practicality. His iconic "Butterfly Stool" (1956), crafted from bent plywood, became an enduring symbol of Japanese design and catapulted him to international prominence. Yanagi's achievements were recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957.
Throughout his illustrious career, Yanagi maintained a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, creating pieces that were as beautiful as they were functional. His work spanned various domains, from furniture and kitchenware to toys, always with an emphasis on simplicity, elegance, and durability. In 1977, he became the director of the Mingeikan, the folk art museum founded by his father, reconnecting with his cultural heritage and preserving the legacy of the Mingei movement.
Sori Yanagi's timeless creations continue to reflect a unique synthesis of Japanese tradition and global modernism. His influence remains profound, and his designs
remain iconic, cementing his place as a central figure in the history of design.
